Cost of Living in Middlesex County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Middlesex County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Middlesex County ranks #1,528 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Middlesex rents bite harder than US average
Renters in Middlesex County spend 20.1% of their income on gross rent, slightly above the national average of 19.3%. While the county's median household income of $126,779 far exceeds the national median of $74,755, housing costs have kept pace with that wealth.
Middle of the pack in Massachusetts
Middlesex ranks in the middle tier of Massachusetts counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average of 19.3%. The county's median rent of $2,126 significantly exceeds Massachusetts's state average of $1,558, reflecting its proximity to Boston and established suburbs.
Pricier than Plymouth, similar to Norfolk
Middlesex's median rent of $2,126 edges out nearby Norfolk County at $2,072, while significantly surpassing Plymouth County's $1,655. Among Massachusetts's affluent suburban counties, Middlesex occupies the middle ground—more expensive than Plymouth but more affordable than the island premium of Nantucket at $2,070.
Renters spend twice what homeowners do
Middlesex renters pay $2,126 monthly while homeowners spend $2,480 on mortgages, yet renters' ratio (20.1%) actually exceeds owners' burden relative to the $126,779 median income. This county's high earners can absorb housing costs, but the gap between rent and ownership remains substantial.
Affluent suburbs with Boston access
Middlesex offers the rare combination of high incomes and moderate affordability for Massachusetts—ideal if you're earning above $120,000 and want suburban proximity to Boston. Compare this to Suffolk County's tighter squeeze (26.7% rent-to-income ratio) or Plymouth's lower costs but smaller income base before deciding your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Middlesex County
Affordability Verdict
Middlesex County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $2,126/month — about 20.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $2,126/month rent versus $2,480/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $354/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $85,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $106,286/year. With a median household income of $126,779, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Middlesex County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Massachusetts, Middlesex County is more affordable than Norfolk County by roughly 3% ($2,126/mo vs $2,072/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Middlesex County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,958
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.5%
of gross income
The median home in Middlesex County may be a stretch
Median home value is $687,200. Estimated monthly cost: $5,486 vs. your max of $2,958.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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